600-610 Court Street, Portsmouth, Virginia

Pythian Castle
600-610 Court Street, Portsmouth, Virginia
circa 1897-1898

Here is my find today in my lettering and topography quest near the TCC Visual Arts Center.

The lettering for Pythian Castle, as well as the date, 1897 which is split across the two entry arches, is a sans serif with heavy even strokes. It is very industry and strong, epitomizing the late 1800s in the US. The shield for the organization is also set in carved masonry on either side of the name of the building. The shield also has three letters on it ~ F, C, B ~ which stand for Friendship, Charity, Benevolence. These letters are set in a more classic serif typeface with exaggerated heads (the top of the C and F).

The design (Romanesque Revival) and materials (stone and brick) are consistent with other Knights of Pythias Lodges across America. This fraternal lodge was the meeting place for the Portsmouth area. There is plenty of available research on-line about the Knights of Pythias, their buildings, and notable Pythian Knights.

So glad the weather is holding here in September.
It helps every day in a lovely walk outside somewhere.

Other urban topography & lettering photos in this series:

In Olde Towne Portsmouth, Virginia
All Saints Chapel : 500 Court Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
Bangel Law Building : 505 Court Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
Portsmouth Public Library : 606 Court Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
Pythian Castle : 600-612 Court Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
Chapman Building : 310 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
Coffee House Facade : 300 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA
Towne Bank Building : 200 High Street, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA

In downtown Norfolk, Virginia
Martin Building : 300 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Velvet Lounge : 332 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Madison Hotel : 345 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia, USA
The Fontaine Room : 345 Granby Street, Norfolk, Virginia, USA